Council updates zoning rules for meeting facilities and special events; Bill 60 amended and approved at first reading

Hawaii County’s council approved an amended zoning ordinance on first reading to rewrite how meeting facilities and special events are regulated in residential and other zones.

Bill 60 (draft 3), introduced by Councilmember Kirkowitz at the planning director’s request, rewrites portions of Chapter 25 of the Hawaii County Code to remove older, potentially discriminatory language for community buildings, houses of worship and related uses and to establish consistent definitions and permit triggers for meeting facilities and special events. The planning director and staff worked with faith leaders and legislative aides to produce final “housekeeping” amendments captured in communication 313.31.

Planning Director Jeff Darrow told the council staff spent months refining the bill to ensure it distinguishes meeting facilities (which may include special events) from separate special-event approvals and to address requests for outdoor concerts and commercial-type weddings where parking and neighborhood impacts have been an issue. Councilmembers raised a specific question about whether telecommunications infrastructure references (antennas and towers) weakened prior protections; the director said the amendments are cleanup and do not undo previously approved protections.

Councilmembers voted to adopt the housekeeping amendment and approved Bill 60, as amended, on first reading (9 ayes). The bill will return for additional readings where the council can consider implementation steps, use-permit thresholds for residential zones and any further adjustments recommended by planning staff.

What happens next: Planning staff will implement the housekeeping amendments and prepare materials for subsequent readings, including clarifications on use permits and administrative processes for special events and meeting facilities.